WEDDING experts from Worcestershire are pinning their hopes on success after a bumper weekend at the National Wedding Show in Birmingham.

The county's vintage car hire firms, cake-makers, toastmasters, dressmakers, wedding favour makers, florists, photographers and venues were all part of the 785-stand NEC show.

More than 16,000 brides-to-be and their families packed into the three-day extravaganza to find the finishing touches for their perfect days.

Toastmaster Peter Barnes, from Alexander Avenue in Droitwich, was nursing a sore throat after speaking to dozens of couples eager to engage his services.

He runs Professional Toastmaster Services which offers masters of ceremonies for weddings across Britain.

"We were very busy and talked to a lot of people," he revealed.

"We won't know for some weeks or some months how successful it was, but I had a good feeling about it."

Award-winning dressmaker Sarah Milnes, of Cathedral Belles in Worcester, brought scores of gowns from her College Street shop.

Dozens of satisfied customers walked away with their dream dresses hung over their arms.

Nicola Boho, wedding co-ordinator from Hanbury Hall, the National Trust's property near Droitwich, was on hand to advise couples thinking about civil ceremonies and receptions.

"It was a tremendous success," said Louise Slater, property co-ordinator, who manned the stand on Friday.

"We had loads of interest."

Birtsmorton Court, near Malvern, which boasts 300 acres of parkland and a moated, mediaeval manor house, also took a stand.

The owners of Lili Floral Art in Tardebigge, near Bromsgrove, fitted brides-to-be with head-dresses and showcased sumptious cakes and bouquets.

In addition, Diana Crabtree from The White House in Crowle, near Worcester, displayed her range of wedding favours and keepsakes.

"The average cost of a wedding today is around £14,000," said a spokeswoman for the organisers.

"And brides-to-be are demanding greater individuality and sophistication and a more contemporary approach to their big day. We had hundreds more people than we expected over the three days - it was a great success."